Control system.



F. H. SHEPARD.

CONTROL SYSTEM.

WITNESSES:

ATTORNEY F. H. SHEPARD.

CONTROLSYSTENI.

ATTORNEY UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANCIS H. SHEPARD, 0F NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YGR-K, ASSIGNR TO WESTINGI-IOUSE ELECTRIC AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CRPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

CONTROL SYSTEM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Mar. 26, 1918.

T0 all whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANCIS H. SHEPARD, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of New Rochelle, iiithe county of 'Vestchester and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Control Systems, of which the ollow'ag is a specilication.

My invention relates to control systems for electric motors, and it has special reference to systems of control of the multiple unit type such as are employed for train operation upon large electrical railways and railroad electrifications.

One of the objects oli' my invention is to simplify and improve the arrangement of circuits and the operation of systems of the above indicated character, with particular reference to systems in which the control apparatus and the auxiliary devices are supplied with energy indirectly from the trolley circuit.

`Another object of my invention is to provide means for preventing improper operation and acceleration of the driving motors by reason ot an accidental cross of the trainline conductors, which energize the auxiliary apparatus, with those which supply energy to the control apparatus.

Another object of my invention is to pro vide a control system adapted for multiple unit train operation in which the control apparatus or unit switches and the auxiliary appa latus are adapted for opera tion upon materially different voltages.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a control system in which the auxiliary apparatus is operated from lowvoltage train line conductors which are constantly energized, whereas the control apparatus receives its energy intermittently from relatively high voltage train line conductors, at the will of the motoriiiau or attendant.

A still further object of my invention is to provide means for limiting the current in the control wires to a safe value in case a train bridges a break between adjacent sections of reversed polarity and both control resistors are concurrently connected into active circuit.

In the prior art, when multiple unit train operation has been employed and the auxiliary apparatus andk the control apparatus were both energized from circuits having a common return conductor and at substantially the same voltage, ditliculty has been experienced by reason of the crossing of the respective train line conductors. Such a condition results in an accidental energization of the unit switches and consequent acceleratioii or' the driving motors, which rendered them beyond the control ot the motormaii.

It will be understood that, even if the controller were in. the otid position and the auxiliary appara-tus train conductors should accidentally come in Contact with the conductors of the control apparatus, full operating voltage would be impressed upon the operating coils thereof. Thus, the motor circuit switches would be closed and the driving motors operated. The liability of damage to the apparatus, as well as injuries to train passengers would then be great.

Moreover, in certain classes ot' electritied railway systems, particularly where two supply conductors deliver direct current energy to the motors and auxiliary circuits, the corresponding conductors ot adjacent and insulated sections are frequently of oppcsite or reversed polarity. Under these conditions, it train is partly on one section and partly on another, and control apparatus on both sections should be operated at the same time, dead short circuit through the train line conductors might result which `.iight destroy said conductors or at least, impair the proper functioning thereof, unless adequate protective measures were eniployed.

lt is with the intention ot' eliminating the possibility of such diiliculties that l have devised my present invention.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure l is a diagrammatic view of a control system embodying my invention in which only a single section of supply conductors and a single car equipment are shown, Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view showing a modification of certain ot the connections shown in F ig. l and Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a two-car train embodying my control system.

Referring to the drawing, the system here shown comprises a plurality of supply conductors l and 2 of opposite polarity and which constitute parts of a single section, a plurality of electric motors having armatures A1 and A2 and field magnet windings F1 and F2, a plurality ot resistors R1, R2,

and and a corresponding number` ci short-circuiting switches for eliminating said resistors from circuit, a line switch LS, an electro-responsive device marked Limit switch, a hand-operated switch device marked Controller-Q a control resistor adapted to be connected across the supply ycircuits by means of control switch #1 and control switch #2, a plurality ot control circuit conductors marked Train lines, and a plurality of translating devices 10, 11 and 12 which may, for example, respectively constitute electro-pneumatic apparatus for governing the operation or the car doors or couplers, and conductors signal lamps and bells.

In order to simplify the diagram and to enable a ready and clear understanding ot the operation of my invention7 I have illustrated it inv connection with a series arrangement ot driving motors, but it should be understood that my invention is in no way restricted to such connections and is applicable to many of the well-known types ot systems.

Assuming the circuit connections and apparatus to occupy the positions shown, the operation er the system is as rollows:

It' control switches #l and :#:2 be closed, the control resistor is connected directly across the supply circuits and therefore energized. The control resistor is provided with a plurality of taps or conductors, 13, 11,v and 15, tap 14 being connected to said resistor at substantially its mid point. The connections ot the conductors 13 and 15 to the resistor7 are so chosen that the voltages between said conductors 13 and 15 and the common conductor 14E differ widely, for a purpose to be hereinafter set forth.

As soon as the control resistor is energized, low-voltage is impr ssed upon train lines 16 and 1.7 which are constantly energized thereafter and which serve to supply energy to the translating devices 10, 11 and 12when switches 10S, 11S, and 12s are closed.

It the controller be moved to its lirst operating position, a circuit is com from tap 13 through conducting s 20 and 21 ofthe controller, train li energizing coil of switch LS, and tl mon return conductor 16 to the mid-point tap 14 of the control-resister. Thus, energy is supplied to the operating coil ot switch LS at a relatively high voltage compared to that impressed across train line conductors 16 and 17.

Switch LS is thus closed to complete a circuit from supply conductor 1, including switch LS, energizing coil of the limit switch, resistors R1, R2, and R3, and the armatures and iield ma net windings of the driving motors to supply conductor 2. )finer-gy is thereby supplied to the driving motors and they are accordingly started into operation.

vWithout reciting in detail the operation ot the system and tracing its circuits, it is believed that no ditliculty lwill be experieneed in understanding that if the controller be removed to its next operating position, the resistors R1, R2, and R3 will be hort-circuited by their corresponding switches in accordance with the well-known action of the limit switch.

vWhen the controlle7 is moved to its second position, train line 23 is energized .trom tl e control resistor through tap 13 ano` conducting segments 20 and 21 of the controller Thereafter, the operation is '-itomatic in a manner old and familiar to those skilled in the art.

Referring particularly to the train line conductors, it will be noted that conductors 16 and 17 are energized constantly and that a comparatively low-voltage exists between. them, whereas conductors 22 and 23 are only energized upon the operation ot' the controller, and a materially greater voltage is impressed between them and the common return conductor 16.

It now, the energizing coils of switches LS, R1, R2, and R3 are designed for operation upon the relatively high voltage between taps 14: and 13, and it train lines 22 or Q3 be accidentally cr ssed with conductor 17, it will be impossible to effect the closure ot' any of the motor-accelerating switches above referred to, inasmuch as the low-voltage between taps 14 and 15 is insutlieient for the purpose.

The possibility ot accidental operation of the motor switches and the acceleration of the driving motors is therefore precluded, and safety and reliability are assured.

Likewise, whenever the train passes over a section break, where corresponding supply conductors Lare ot' reversed polarity. no serious damage to the train lines and control conductors can result in the event that the control resistors of cars upon different sections ai'e concurrently connected in active circuit for the reason that the portions of said resistors between taps 13 and 14 and their respective ends will be included in circuit to limit abnormal current.'

This portion of my invention may best be understood by reference to Fig. 3 ot the accompanying drawing in which cars Cl and C2, constituting a two-car train, are so located with respect to section-break 30 as to bridge across the adjacent sections of Supply-circuit conductors 1 and 1 and 2 and 2, the adjacent sections being of reversed polarity, as indicated in the figure by the plus and minus signs.

The control resistor ot' car C is connected across the conductors 1 and 2 and Currentcollect-ing devices 31 are adapted to make traveling electrical engagement with the supply-circuit conductors. The conductors 13, 111, 15, 22 and 23 are connected in the manner hereinbefore set .forth in connection v with Fig. 1.

The apparatus and circuit connections of car C2 are similar in every respect to those of car C1 whereby multiple-unit operation may be edected.

Assuming that the train bridges the section break as shown in Fig. 3 and that, for some reason, the control switches on both cars are closed and the controllers consequently operated, as might be the case, for instance, when an operator is changing ends7 of his train. Under these conditions, a circuit is established from the positive supply conductor 1 through collecting devices 31, control switch #1, end section of the control resistor, conductor 15, train-line conductor 17, corresponding end section of the control resistor of car C2 and its control switch and collecting devices to the negative supply-circuit conductor 1.

Similarly, another circuit is established from the negative supply-circuit conductor 2 through current-collecting devices 31, control switch ;ht2, end section of the control resistor of car C1, conductor 13, the trainline conductor 22, the controller of car C2, conductor 13, end section of the control resistor of car C2 and thence, through the cor responding control switch and current-col lecting devices, to the positive supply circuit conductor 2.

If such circuit conditions should obtain, it is clear that dead short circuits through the train line conductors are not affected by reason of the inclusion of the respective end sections of the control resistors which prevent the flow ofexcessive current. In this way, therefore, accidental difficulties of the type referred to are obviated and the system is rendered reliable and effective,

y even under these unusual conditions.

In certain cases where the track rails are employed as return. conductors, the auxiliary taps 13, 14 and 15 will be arranged and connected tothe control resistor7 in the manner shown in Fie'. 2, there being no necessity in this case that the common return conductor 14 be connected to substantially the mid-point of the resistor,

Other modifications in the arrangement of circuits and apparatus are contemplated and only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

-I claim as my invention:

1. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo electric machine, control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary translating device, of a derived source of energy associated with said supply circuit and having a Vplurality of taps for energizing said control apparatus and said translating device, only one of said taps being common to both encrgizing circuits.

2. ln a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo electric machine, control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary translating device, of a derived source of energy associated with said supply circuit, a plurality of circuits connected thereto for respectively energizing said control apparatus and said translating device, said circuits having only a single common conductor.

3. In` a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo electric machine, control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary translating device, of a derived source of energy associated with said supply circuit, a plurality of circuits of materially different voltages connected thereto for respectively energizing said control apparatus and said auxiliary translating device.

a. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo-electric machine, control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary device, of a derived source of energy associated with said supply circuit, a plurality of circuits of materially different voltages connected thereto for respectively energizing said control apparatus and said auxiliary translating device and having a common return conductor.

5. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo-electric machine, control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and, an auxiliary translating device, of a derived source of energy associated with said supply circuit, a plurality of circuits of materially different voltages, the circuit of higher voltage being adapted to energize the control apparatus and the circuit of lower voltage being adapted to energize said translating device, and a conductor serving in common for both circuits.

6. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo electric machine, control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary translating device, of a derived source of energy associated with said supply circuit, a conductor connected to the mid-point of said derived source and serving in common for two circuits that are respectively adapted to cnergize said control apparatus and said translating device, the other conductors of said circuits being connected to the derived source at opposite sides of said common conductor and at different distances therefrom, whereby the voltages of said circuits differ materially.

7. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo-electric machine, control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary translating device, ofa Vderived source of energy associated with said supply circuit, a conclueu tor connected to substantially the mid-point thereof, and other conductors connected to said derived source on opposite sides 0f said lirst conductor and severally adapted, in conjunction with said .first conductor, to constitute energizing circuits for said control apparatus and said translating device.

8. In acontrolisystem, the combination with a supply circuit, electric apparatus receiving energy therefrom, means for controlling the operation of said apparatus, and other translating means, of a derived source of energy associated with said supply circuit, and a three-wire energizing system connected thereto and having materially different voltages between its common and respective outer conductors for supplying energy to said control means and said translating means.

9. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a plurality of electric devices adapted to be operated upon mate rially different voltages, and a derived source of energy connected across said sup ply circuit, of a plurality of energizing circuits connected thereto and having a common conductor for supplying energy to said electric devices, said circuits being of suitable voltages to operate the devices connected thereto.

10. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, an electric motor, control apparatus therefor adapted to be energized intermittently, and an auxiliary translating device adapted to be constantly energized, of a resistor connected across said supply circuit, and a plurality of energizing circuits of different voltages connected thereto and having a common return wire, the circuit of higher voltage being adapted to energize said control apparatus and the circuit of lower voltage being adapted to energize said translating device.`

11. In a system of control, the combination with a supply circuit, an electric motor connected thereto, control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and a translating device, of aresistor connected across said supply circuit, a plurality of conductors connected to said resistor, one of said conductors constituting a part of an energizing circuit for said control apparatus and adapted to be manually interrupted and the other conductor constituting a part of the energizing circuit for said translating deviceV and adapted to he ene gized constantly, and a third conductor connected to said resistor intermediate said first conductors and at unequal distances therefrom and serving as a return conductor for both of said irst conductors.

1'2. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, an electric motor, control apparatus therefor, an auxiliary translating'device, of a control resistor connected across said circuit, and a plurality of train line conductors connected thereto and adapted to independently energize said control apparatus and said translating device, and a train line conductor connected to said control resistor intermediate said first conductors and serving to complete the energizing circuits thereof.

13. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo-electric machine, control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary trans. lating device, of an auxiliary source of energy, and a plurality of control circuits of materially different voltages connected to said auxiliary source of energy for respectively energizing said control apparatus and said auxiliary translating device.

14. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo-electric machine, control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary translating device, of a plurality of control circuits of materially different voltages for respectively energizing said control apparatus and said auxiliary translating device.

15. In a control system, the combination with a dynamo-electric machine, electro-responsive control apparatus for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary electrical device, of circuits of different voltages for respectively supplying energy to said machine, said control apparatus and said auxiliary device.

16. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo-electric machine adapted to receive energy therefrom, electrically controlled switches for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary electrical transl-ating device independent of the machine and its operation, of a master controller and a plurality of train-line conductors for governing the operation of said control switches, other train-line conductors adapted to be connected to said auxiliary device and means for supplying voltages of materially different values to the control switch train-line conductors and to the auxiliary device train-line conductors.

17. In a control system, the combination with a dynamo-electric machine, control switches for governing the operation thereof, and auxiliary translating means independent of the machine and its operation, of a source of energy, and a plurality of conductors connected to different points thereof, the voltages between the intermediate conductor and the respective outer conductors being materially different and the outer conductors of the respective circuits being connected to the respective control switches and to the auxiliary means.

18. In a control system, the combination with a dynamo-electric machine, a plurality of control switches for governing the operation thereof, and an auxiliary translating device independent of said machine and its operation, of a plurality of energizing circuits of materially diiferent voltages respectively connected to the control s iitches and the auxiliary devices, said circuits having a single common conductor.

19. In a direct-current control system, the combination with a pair of supply circuit conductors of opposite polarities and having sections upon which the polarities are reversed, of an electrically propelled vehicle adapted to receive energy therefrom and comprising a control resistorl adapted to be connected across the pair of supply circuits and a pair of train lines connected to intermediate points in the central portion of said resistor.

20. In a direct-current control system, the combination with a plurality of adjacent and insulated sections of double supply circuit conductors, the sections being of reversed polarities, of a plurality of train units severally adapted to receive energy independently from the supply conductors of the section upon which it is operated and each comprising an auxiliary control resistor, switching means for connecting said resistor across the supply conductors, and a plurality of train lines extending throughout the train and respectively connected to taps in each of said resistors, the taps being located in the central portions of the resistors, whereby the end portions thereof are maintained in circuit to limit the current if the train bridges a break in the adjacent sections of reversed polarities and the resistors upon train units occupying adjacent sections are concurrently connected to the supply conductors.

21. In a direct-current control system, the combination with a plurality of adjacent insulated sections of double supply-circuit conductors and of reversed polarities, of a plurality of electric vehicles constituting` a train, and each comprising a resistor adapted to be connected across the supply-circuit conductors of the section upon which it is operated, a plurality of conductors connected to intermediate points of said resistor, a controller in circuit with one of said conductors, and a corresponding number of train lines respectively connected to said conductors throughout the train.

22. In a direct-current control system, the combination with a plurality of adjacent insulated sections of double supply-circuit conductors and of reversed polarities, of a plurality of electric vehicles constituting a train, and each comprising a control resistor,

means for connecting said resistor across the supply-circuit conductors of the section upon which the vehicle is operated, a plurality of train lines throughout the train and severally connected to a plurality of intermediate taps in said resistor, one tap being at the substantial mid-point of said resistor, and the others on opposite sides thereof and removed materially from the respective ends thereof, and a controller connected in circuit betwen one of said train lines and one of the outer taps of said resistor whereby the portions of the resistors between the outer taps and the supply circuit conductors limit the current when the train bridges a break between adjacent sections of the supply-circuit conductors of opposite polarity and the resistors are connected in circuit.

23. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo-electric niachine, control apparatus for governing the operation of said machine, and an auxiliary translating device, said translating device being sensitive to currents of a lower voltage than said control apparatus, of an auxiliary source of energy and a plurality of control circuits of materially dierent voltages connected to said auxiliary source of energy for respectively energizing said control apparatus and said auxiliary translating device.

2li. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo-electric Inachine, control apparatus for governing the operation of said machine, and an auxiliary translating device, the translating device and the control apparatus being sensitive to currents having voltages of diiierent values, of a plurality of control circuits of materially different voltages for respectively energizing said control apparatus and said auxiliary translating device.

25. In a control system, the combination with a supply circuit, a dynamo-electric machine, control apparatus for governing the operation of said machine, and an auxiliary translating device, the translating device and the control apparatus being sensitive to electrical energy having different characteristics, of a plurality of control circuits conducting electrical energy having different characteristics for respectively energizing said control apparatus and said auxiliary translating device.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 16th day of December 1913.

FRANCIS H. SHEPARD.

Witnesses:

IVM. H. CAPEL, C. WESLEY PoMERoY.

copies o! this patent may bo obtained for ve cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. C, 

